Wounded Warriors Fish with Friends at Operation Neptune

MARBLEHEAD, Mass., Aug. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For five years now, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has teamed up with the Boston Yacht Club and local fishing group Maddie's Anglers to give injured veterans an afternoon of the sweet life on the open water. The most recent Operation Neptune saw more than 30 local fishing enthusiasts hosting more than 40 warriors on their vessels for a day of fishing.

While fisherman are notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to coveted fishing spots, Operation Neptune was an exception to the rule. The anglers readily shared their secret locations with the wounded warriors they hosted, and the group bonded while reeling in striped bass. When the fishing came to an end, the entire group was welcomed at the Boston Yacht Club for lunch.

Activities like Operation Neptune support recovery needs of warriors by rebuilding the unique bonds they experienced during their military service. Getting injured veterans out of the house and encouraging them to interact with others who have shared similar experiences can help prevent isolation, which can be detrimental to the healing process.

It was through fellow wounded warriors that Army National Guard veteran Tony Sanborn learned of Operation Neptune.

"Through the years that I've been with WWP, I have made quite a few friends. They have talked frequently about how great Project Neptune was and what an amazing experience it was," he said. "So I had to get down there and find out for myself."

Tony might not have brought in an impressive haul for the day, but he still had a fun afternoon on the water with his nephew, Hunter, and fellow wounded veterans.

"The most rewarding part of these events is connecting with other warriors," Tony said. "Just being around them is therapeutic for me. It gives me the ability to be comfortable being myself. No one at these events is judging me for my quirks, and they can all relate to the things I have been through. It's like a family reunion with people I have never met."

Army National Guard veteran Chris Kinney has been to Operation Neptune each year since its inception. It has become an anticipated outing for him and his wife.

"I try to participate in as many WWP sporting events as I can," Chris said. "And this is an activity my wife likes to attend with me. It's the one weekend each year my wife and I get away from the kids and spend quality time together."

While the time with his wife is valued, Chris said he also enjoys the opportunity to bond with fellow wounded warriors.

"It's great to spend time with others who understand what you're going through, and to just enjoy some time away from the stress of life," he said.

At WWP gatherings, staff provide information about additional services that can assist in a warrior's recovery by helping them live full and independent lives. Through the generosity of donors, warriors can enjoy these outings – and take advantage of beneficial and life-changing resources – free of charge, for a lifetime.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project